System and apparatus for selectively limiting user control of an electronic device

Abstract

A system and apparatus for selectively limiting user control of a mobile electronic device are provided. In an embodiment, the apparatus may be a case sized to receive a mobile electronic device, the case having a locking means to at least partially secure an opening thereof. When engaged, the locking means may be physically impenetrable by the user of the mobile electronic device and may further be configured to engage and disengage in the presence of one or more pre-determined conditions. For example, the lock may engage when the case is detected within a certain geographical region or even during a specified time. It is contemplated that providing disclosed systems and apparatuses may reduce undesirable behavior at communal events by eliminating distractions posed by mobile electronic devices and preventing unauthorized recordings, which together may enhance overall engagement at and enjoyment of such events.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A case for selectively limiting a user's ability to control such user's own mobile electronic device, comprising,
 a shell defining a cavity sized to accommodate the user's mobile electronic device and having an opening to receive the user's mobile electronic device therein; and 
 a locking means for at least partially securing the opening of the shell so that the electronic device is rendered inaccessible to the user, the locking means being further non-disengageable by the user of the mobile electronic device; 
 wherein the predetermined condition is physical presence of the case outside of a defined geographical region. 
 
     
     
       2. A case for selectively limiting a user's ability to control such user's own mobile electronic device, comprising,
 a shell defining a cavity sized to accommodate the user's mobile electronic device and having an opening to receive the user's mobile electronic device therein; and 
 a locking means for at least partially securing the opening of the shell so that the electronic device is rendered inaccessible to the user, the locking means being further non-disengageable by the user of the mobile electronic device; 
 wherein the predetermined condition is the passage of time. 
 
     
     
       3. A system for selectively limiting a user's control of such user's own electronic device, comprising:
 a case sized to receive the user's mobile electronic device having
 a front and a rear panel each having first and second longitudinally opposed side edges and laterally opposed lower edges, 
 the first, second, and lower edges being secured together to define an opening for receiving a mobile electronic device, the case operative to become locked so that the user is unable to access his own mobile electronic device contained therein until a predetermined condition is met; 
 
 a locking means for at least partially securing the opening; and 
 means for unlocking the case. 
 
     
     
       4. The case of  claim 3 , wherein the locking means comprises a female and a male plate, the plates respectively disposed on each of the front and rear panels and configured to securably mate with one another. 
     
     
       5. The case of  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the female and male plates comprise a radio frequency identification tag operative to receive instructions from a remote transmitter to disengage the locking means when the predetermined condition is met. 
     
     
       6. The case of  claim 3 , wherein a microprocessor is further disposed in one or both of the female and male plates to receive a wireless data signal from a beacon or transmitter to disengage the locking means when the predetermined condition is met. 
     
     
       7. The case of  claim 3 , wherein the predetermined condition is physical presence outside of a defined geographical region. 
     
     
       8. The case of  claim 3 , wherein the predetermined condition is the passage of time. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the mobile electronic device is operative to receive instructions to disable one or more coded functions of the mobile electronic device.